A large potting shed lined with gleaming tools is every gardener’s fantasy, but reality just doesn’t tend to be like that. Space is tight for many gardeners and we have to get away with a minimum of tools — the more multi-function they are the better. If you’re one of these small-space gardeners, I’d say you can trim your garden toolkit down to eight essential tools. These are the ones I would always have with me, the ones I use all the time. The golden rule for these eight is to never buy cheap versions —they just don’t last — whereas good tools are a true pleasure to use. They should all last decades so long as you don’t abuse them.

SecateursThere are two…

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